Strake's Sulaimon wins inaugural Guy Lewis Award

By Angel Verdejo Jr. |
March 27, 2012

Strake Jesuit's Rasheed Sulaimon, right, is headed to Duke after averaging more than 28 points as a senior.

Others went farther in the postseason, even playing for state championships.

But when it came down to picking Greater Houston's top boys basketball player during the 2011-12 season, an early playoff exit didn't affect Rasheed Sulaimon's chances. The Duke signee and McDonald's All-American made it official Tuesday night, winning the inaugural Guy V. Lewis Award.

Sulaimon, who led Strake Jesuit to consecutive District 19-5A titles, wasn't able to attend the award reception as he's in Chicago preparing for the first of two All-American games. He will play in the McDonald's game Wednesday and the Jordan Brand Classic on April 14.

Sulaimon, one of eight seniors up for the award, beat out finalists Andrew and Aaron Harrison, twins who led Fort Bend Travis to the Class 5A final as juniors.

A 6-4 guard, Sulaimon was 19-5A's Most Valuable Player as the Crusaders went 14-0 in district play. He averaged more than 28 points per game and was also an all-region and all-state pick by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

Lewis coached the University of Houston from 1956-86, winning nearly 600 games and reaching the Final Four five times.

"I hope that the young man that receives this award truly understands the man behind this award," said Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes, who starred at UH under Lewis in the 1960s and was the keynote speaker.